DC remains open for travel during federal government shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC – As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, is reaffirming its DC is Open campaign to assure travelers the nation’s capital remains open and ready to welcome visitors, with so much to see, do, eat and experience.

Daily life in DC remains active, as the doors are open to its acclaimed dining scene, hotels and renowned privately funded museums and attractions. Washington.org/DCisOpen is a key resource with up-to-date information on open attractions, events and deals. Visitors can access an updated list of more than 100 places to go and things to do, and inspirational lists of the best things to do during a shutdown and alternative attractions to visit during a shutdown. October boasts a busy calendar of events, festivals, new exhibits, critically acclaimed theater and sports, with six home games for Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals through the end of the month. Federal workers can also take advantage of well-deserved deals. See “DC is Open” campaign assets here.

“We understand that when the federal government shuts down, some visitors may assume DC does too, but that’s far from the truth,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “While some federally funded attractions are impacted, more than 50 privately funded museums are unaffected. Our city’s incredible restaurants, hotels, theaters, sports venues, tours, parks and attractions are open and ready to welcome guests. There’s so much to see and do this fall and visitors can still experience everything that makes DC a world-class destination.”

Tourism remains a vital driver of Washington, DC’s economy, supporting over 111,000 local jobs and the city’s local businesses, hotels and restaurants. A record 27.2 million people visited the nation’s capital in 2024, spending $11.4 billion, resulting in $2.3 billion in tax revenue, according to MMGY Travel Intelligence, S&P Global Market Intelligence, the National Travel and Tourism Office and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

This month, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center hosts three citywide conventions. ASAE 2025, the annual event for the Association of the United States Army, draws approximately 44,000 attendees with an estimated $36 million economic impact through Oct. 15. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank Annual Meetings (Oct. 13-18) bring over 10,000 global delegates to Foggy Bottom. The American Dental Association’s SmileCon will take place Oct. 23-25, with more than 8,000 attendees and an estimated $10.4 million in delegate spending.

DC is Open and Historic

Many of DC’s attractions, including famed arts and culture experiences, remain unaffected by the shutdown. Parks and memorials on the National Mall are open to the public, although some visitor centers and ranger-led services are currently limited. Visitors can access the new digital National Mall Gateway to navigate and learn about sites on the Mall.

The city’s independently operated museums and cultural venues are open, including the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, National Building Museum, Folger Shakespeare Library, Phillips Collection, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden, Rubell Museum, Kreeger Museum, Washington National Cathedral, Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, Planet Word, International Spy Museum, Museum of Illusions, O Museum in the Mansion and National Children’s Museum. See the full list here.

DC is Open and Delicious

A legacy Michelin Guide city, DC offers more than 2,200 places to eat and eight new restaurants were just added to the Guide. The culinary scene continues to sizzle. Lauded chef Cedric Maupillier is behind splashy French-Mediterranean Barbouzard on K Street NW; celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson opened Marcus DC in Union Market; and Ethiopian chef Elias Taddesse opened Mélange Foods in Shaw. There is also a flurry of highly anticipated bar openings across the city, including the first U.S. outpost of a World's 50 Best Bar, Brasero Atlántico, in Georgetown. In Adams Morgan, chefs Isabel Coss and Matt Conroy, the husband-wife team behind Pascual and Lutéce, opened Maison Bar à Vins.

DC is Open and Up All Night

The Anthem and legendary 9:30 Club are just two of the iconic independent venues continuing to offer live music and shows. The city’s theater community – the second largest in the nation – offers critically acclaimed productions, including a reimagined Damn Yankees at Arena Stage (through Nov. 9), The Heart Sellers at Studio Theatre (through Oct. 26) and Tony Award-winning musicals at the National Theatre in November. Check out things to do this weekend.

DC is Open and Inviting

Hotels are open and ready to welcome guests with enticing deals. New hotels include the ROOST White House and Dupont Circle’s SIXTY DC. The Hyatt Regency Washington Capitol Hill has received a full-property transformation in anticipation of its 50th anniversary in 2026, while the Willard InterContinental unveiled a restoration to its 335 accommodations.

DC is Open and Active

As the leaves begin to turn, there’s something special about capturing brilliant foliage against DC’s iconic landmarks. The trails of Rock Creek Park, cobblestone streets of Georgetown, rowhouses of Capitol Hill and revamped waterfronts of the Wharf and Capitol Riverfront are also ideal backdrops for Instagrammable shots.

Additional info: 

Metro and public transportation systems are running normally, and DC’s local government remains open, ensuring continued access to sanitation, schools, parks and essential services. 

DDC will continue to share updates on its social channels using #DCisOpen and DC travel experts are available by phone at 1-800-422-8644, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (EDT).